Personal Performance

The Trick is Asking in the Right Way to Obtain Honest, Usable and Valuable Feedback

Bill Hoberecht - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For over two decades, I’ve had the responsibility for managing technical, project and program teams. As part of my efforts to improve my professional performance, I’ve utilized a variety of methods to evaluate my performance and identify actions to improve my effectiveness as an organizational leader. This article describes a method that has evolved from many iterations of soliciting feedback from my colleagues.

Tips for ensuring honest, usable and valuable feedback is communicated

Bill Hoberecht - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Understanding the perceptions of others and building upon their expertise can be a valuable technique for improving personal performance. Far too often, however, the value of feedback is not realized. This can occur if the feedback is misleading, is delivered at the wrong time, or it is just plain invalid. Here are some tips for delivering and receiving feedback that is honest, usable and valuable.

A bit of structure and a few questions & topics to jump-start your career planning discussions

Bill Hoberecht - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I’ve found having a career plan to be helpful as I approach decision points in my job, consulting engagements, and my career. This article presents a framework for initiating career planning within the environment of your current job and career, giving suggestions on topics to discuss, a few resources to read, and a template for your very own career plan.

Too Many Teams Have Forgotten How to Celebrate. Here's a Reminder That Recognition is Important.

Bill Hoberecht - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Some project teams celebrate the completion of a project, while many others let this milestone pass without any special recognition for the team of the accomplishment. I've been in both environments, and greatly prefer a company, organization and team culture that acknowledges efforts and accomplishments - these places are just more enjoyable. A little appreciation expressed by co-workers, a project manager or upper management can be an important positive factor for project teams. As project manager, it is incumbent upon you to encourage a project culture that incorporates an appropriate amount of recognition for individual and team accomplishments.